Was Govinda's anger justified?

Jan 20, 2008 Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Jan 21 (IANS) Actor-politician Govinda became Bollywood's angry young man for a moment when he slapped an intruder on the sets of a movie last week. The incident made headlines and drew sharp reactions from film personalities.

While actors like Raveena Tandon and Ravi Kishan say the star must have been provoked, Manoj Bajpai and Lillette Dubey feel one shouldn't lose self-control.

Manoj Bajpai: I wasn't present when the incident happened. But I suppose it all depends on the situation. There have been times when I've lost my cool at such intrusion during work. Other times, I've just let it go. I don't like to lose my self-control.

Tusshar Kapoor: Why is no one talking about that guy who got slapped? Just because Govinda is a celebrity, everyone is focusing on his action. This guy, who was slapped, sounds like the goons near the J.W. Marriott Hotel on New Year's Eve, who molested a girl. Slapping them would've been perfect.

Diya Mirza: On several occasion people just land on the sets. These people can be very intrusive. As and when an alarm is raised about such obtrusive persons, security is brought in. I've always maintained a distance from such intruders on the sets. None of my male co-stars have ever taken such situation into their own hands.

Nandana Sen: I'm fundamentally opposed to violence of any kind, but I've slapped or knocked over men who've tried to feel me up. That's a different kind of invasion of privacy, and absolutely intolerable.

Ravi Kishan: The incident happened while I was shooting for a movie with him. Though I didn't see it personally, I'm sure there was some provocation. Personally, I've learnt to control my anger and impatience with the people around me. It has taken me a long time to put a leash on my temper. But finally, it has been worth it. You can't go around showing your displeasure in public.

Mona Singh: Govinda's seems to have been provoked. But I feel he shouldn't have reacted the way he did. He should've informed the unit controller or called for security. I've never faced such a situation personally. So, I don't know how exactly I'd react.

Mahesh Bhatt: I'm not an MP. I'm just an entertainer. But yes, I've got into brawls like the one Govinda did. Therefore, I can't blame him.

Raveena Tandon: I've worked with Govinda in several movies. He's a terrific guy and a great co-star. He is also human. No matter how much in control you are, there're times when your self-control just snaps when someone is distracting you on the sets. Some people think a set is a place of fun and frolic. They don't know how much concentration a shot requires. Govinda must have been provoked. During all these years, he has never been known to lose his cool.

Samir Soni: Whether an action is justified or not depends completely on the nature of the provocation. At the end of the day, actors and celebrities are human beings with genuine emotions, families and insecurities. Fortunately for me, I've always managed to extricate myself from such situations with a smile and a deaf ear.

Amrita Arora: I think Govinda's anger is justified. I'd do the same if someone tries to act over-smart with me. Why should we not react to intrusive behaviour just because we're public figures? But at the end of the day we're human. And as vulnerable as anyone else.

Lilette Dubey: I'm sure the provocation at times becomes intolerable. But I think even if it's difficult, one should try to contain one's anger. To retaliate is of no help.